Anaïs
The Harpist
A little bit of music softness...
I offer musical sessions to make both children and adults dream: nurseries, schools, libraries, or senior facilities. I also perform for private or corporate events, receptions, cocktails, weddings...
I am based in Bordeaux Bastide and can travel around Bordeaux.
My performances are designed for all audiences. I combine classical repertoire, children’s songs, improvisation, and my own compositions to create a sense of wonder and lightness during a soothing musical journey.
Early childhood:
I alternate between short classical/celtic harp pieces and familiar songs and nursery rhymes that I sing. I use all harp techniques to make the instrument sound in different ways, I invite children to play with me, to use the harp’s soundboard as percussion, to do glissandos, and to help me lift and lower the harp pedals. Children are active and participate alongside me. I bring small maracas, bells, and ribbons so that children can accompany me. We alternate between dynamic, danceable music and pieces that allow us to lie down and return to calm. I write stories that I accompany with music for gentle moments. I always leave room for improvisation.
Young audiences:
The base is similar, but I go further into the discovery and presentation of the instrument: its history, mysteries, and functioning. I engage in a real question/answer exchange and spend a bit more time on technique. I perform classical/celtic works, songs by artists, familiar children’s songs they can sing with me, as well as my own compositions. I invite children to discover, touch, pull its strings, play on the soundboard.
Seniors:
I introduce them to the instrument through a presentation and simple explanations, varying the repertoire between classical/celtic music, my own compositions, and well-known songs that evoke dreams – “L’Hymne à l’Amour”, “La Vie en Rose”. I can visit multiple units and accompany those who wish to come and play with me. Improvisation always has its place in my playing, as it is the heart of harp therapy, music that does good.
"I would like to warmly thank Anaïs for coming to our classroom to introduce us to the harp. It was a particularly gentle, soothing, and enriching experience full of discoveries. The students were captivated by the beauty of the instrument and the delicacy of her playing. A big thank you for this musical sharing that sparked curiosity and wonder in both my students and myself. A truly beautiful moment of listening and calm. Well done! Thank you."
- Ms Vincent, School Sainte-Marie
"A very interesting and high-quality presentation, supported by a calm, soft, composed, and clear voice. This session is well suited for CE2-level students, both in terms of vocabulary, explanations, and a sufficiently varied and dynamic flow to keep the students’ attention. They were calm, attentive, and highly engaged. Highly recommended!"
- Ms Henin, school Sainte-Marie
"I was fortunate to welcome Ms. Oulès into my CM1 classroom in early 2024. We had prepared for her visit by learning a piece from her repertoire. Very pedagogical, Anaïs introduced us to her harp, explained how it works, and performed some classical pieces, one of her own compositions, and a piece we were learning in class that she kindly adapted brilliantly for her harp. It was a little moment out of time, a magical instant that filled our classroom. Thank you, Anaïs."
- Mr Bonneval, school Sainte-Marie
"Anaïs came to our daycare to introduce the children to the harp. Smiling and approachable, she adapted to the audience by offering various nursery rhymes as well as original compositions that were both gentle and rhythmic. Her session was greatly appreciated by both the children and adults, and we look forward to hearing her play again with her instrument."
- Ms Laluce, Daycare Les Cabanes
"Anaïs came in October to introduce the children of our leisure center to the harp. It was a wonderful moment, filled with gentleness and curiosity. Our little athletes were captivated both by the beauty of the instrument and by your clear, accessible, and well-adapted explanations. Your caring approach allowed each child to experience a soothing and enriching musical moment. A truly lovely experience for the children, which we highly recommend."
- Jeanne Renaud, Girondins Bordeaux Bastide Leisure Center
The Artist: Haindash
Anaïs La Harpiste is also Haindash, harpist, singer, and composer.
My music invites you to an inner journey...
I draw inspiration from my experiences, stories, nature, emotions, and poetry, composing timeless songs filled with gentleness. My music combines my voice and my harp in simplicity, keeping all the delicacy, sensitivity, and unique acoustic character of my instrument.
Without artifice and embracing my vulnerability, I explore myself and others through notes and words.
You can find all my compositions on many streaming platforms:
Spotify,
Apple Music,
Deezer,
Amazon Music, Bandcamp.
I am also present on Instagram
et YouTube
but you will not find any photos or videos of my performances for image rights reasons.
Here is a small selection of my songs to listen to directly on my website.
Petite Etoile, a song full of love and joy composed for my daughter
Here and Now, an album of pure improvisations representing the present moment and letting go
Hey You, a song full of light written during Covid
Little Sunshine, a jazzy happy song
About me
It all began at the age of 7, when a little girl fell in love with a harp she spotted at her town’s association fair. To her parents’ delight, she embarked on learning this majestic instrument… first with a rented Celtic harp, then a concert harp.
I then devoted my entire childhood and adolescence to music: harp, of course, but also choir, orchestra, singing, music theory, and performances. My journey started at a small music school and continued at the conservatory.
Later, my studies in marketing and foreign languages took me away from the harp. I left, traveled, and discovered new horizons. It wasn’t until 2019 that I found my way back to music, full of new inspiration: I began composing songs and instrumental pieces under the artist name Haindash. Nine albums are now available on streaming platforms.
In 2020, I treated myself to a new Celtic harp – Ulysse – to accompany Athena, my concert harp. Thanks to Ulysse I can perform beyond my home and connect with audiences.
Today, after nearly twenty years in the web and tech world, I have returned to my first love: the harp. After several volunteer visits at my children’s school and nursery, I realized I wanted to make it my profession.
My wish? To share the joy of music in daycares, schools, libraries, retirement homes, hospitals, companies… and anywhere a few notes can make eyes shine.
Why Music?
Music is very ancient: the oldest objects found are musical instruments. The Neanderthal bone flute is estimated to date back around 43,000 years. Music is so old because it has played a positive role in human evolution.
Music is universal: no known culture is without music. Humans are born musical: even in utero, we can recognize rhythms, melodic contours, modulations, and musical phrases.
There isn’t a single "music area" in the brain. Music, whether active or passive, engages almost all regions of the brain: subcortical structures, auditory cortex, motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, inferior frontal cortex, visual cortex, frontal lobe, cerebellum, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (memory), nucleus accumbens and amygdala (emotions), Broca and Wernicke areas (language).
Music has a real biological power: musical behaviors can affect non-musical functions because they share brain regions. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize its structure, function, and connections in response to stimuli. Through its influence on the whole brain, music can induce structural and functional brain changes throughout life. It can influence non-musical abilities such as language, memory, movement, and emotions. Its impact on health and education is well documented.
Why the Harp?
The harp fascinates with its aura, mysteries, myths, legends, and history.
It is, along with the flute, one of the oldest known instruments. It had various names: Veena in India, Lyra, Nevel, or Kinnor. The harp probably originated from the bow, from Africa at least 5,000 years ago, though cave paintings may suggest even earlier origins (Lascaux, 13,000 BCE).
Historically, the harp appears in the Middle East, India, Asia… In Egypt, Hathor, goddess of music, played it. Buddha remembered being the harpist Guttila in a past life. "The Harpist's Song" is an ancient Egyptian poem sung by (usually blind) harpists to accompany the deceased into the Other World. King David played the harp for Saul to heal his suffering.
In Greek mythology, Hermes created the lyre from a tortoise shell (the world, feminine symbol), deer wood (masculine energy), and seven goat strings (spiritual energy). Apollo gave the lyre to Orpheus, who used it to charm the guardian of the Underworld. Celtic legends also mention harpist gods, like Dagda. Among the Celts, druids and bards played the harp to teach, heal, and inspire (Merlin). In Ireland, Canola, goddess of music, is credited with inventing the harp. Harpist figures are numerous and fascinating!
The harp is a unique instrument, covering the full human voice range and beyond. It can resonate with children’s (high), women’s (medium), or men’s (low) voices. Its strength lies in its free string, which vibrates for a long time and allows multiple natural harmonic resonances to blend, creating a unique “sound aura”.
Different playing techniques enrich the sound: plucked strings, played with fingernail, near the soundboard, harmonics with the palm, percussion on the soundboard, glissando… It is a polyphonic instrument inviting harmony. The harp creates a sound cradle where one can both reflect and escape.
Harp Therapy
What is it?
Harp therapy was born in the United States in 1990, where it is particularly developed. It is a training program recognized by the National Standard Board for Therapeutic Musicians (NSBTM) and carried in Europe by the International Harp Therapy Program (IHTP).
Harp therapy is an approach based on the structured and targeted use of music played on the harp for care. It aims to support the listener’s overall well-being, relying on the documented effects of sound, rhythm, and vibration on the nervous system, physiological functions, and emotional state.
It is not music therapy, but rather therapeutic music: above all, a true artistic practice.
How?
The essence lies in improvisation. The practitioner uses their technical skills and musical knowledge to improvise in a creative and adaptive way. This tailor-made improvisation is carried out with attention and kindness toward the listener.
Everything relies on careful observation of the other person’s needs in order to adapt the music in response. I am constantly searching for the listener’s tone of resonance.
It is not about impressing, entertaining, or playing “lots of notes” in virtuosity or performance: the goal is to create a sound cradle between harp, musician, and listener.
For what purpose?
Studies have shown that harp therapy can help:
- reduce pain, stress, and anxiety
- stabilize certain physiological parameters (heart rate, breathing rate, oxygenation, blood pressure)
- encourage relaxation or movement.
Harp therapy is a form of sound and musical massage.
What I am not:
I am not a doctor, psychologist, or healer: I am an artist, a craftswoman. My intention is not to act directly on the listener; it is the music that acts through my harp.
Healing is not the role of the harp therapist. I am here to let my harp’s aura shine and to play for you, in the present moment, a music that is neither perfect nor superior, but authentic.
Contact
Contact me to discuss your projects.
